Craig Kimbrel will not attend ring ceremony
By Matt McCarthy, 985TheSportsHub.com
Former Red Sox closer Craig Kimbrel will not attend Tuesday’s World Series ring ceremony at Fenway Park.
The organization invited Kimbrel to the ceremony, but according to team President Sam Kennedy, the right-hander was concerned that his presence might cause a distraction.
Kennedy: "While he really appreciated our invite and outreach, he feels his attendance might create a distraction. Out of respect for his teammates, he has chosen to not attend. While disappointed, we totally respect and understand his decision."
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) April 8, 2019
Kimbrel is still a free agent. The Red Sox have made it clear publicly that they do not envision a reunion with the seven-time All-Star, citing an unwillingness to make a large financial investment in the bullpen.
The Red Sox are up against the highest luxury tax threshold and are trying to avoid surpassing that mark for the second-straight year.
According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Brewers, Mets, Phillies, Nationals, Braves, and Rays have shown some level of interest in Kimbrel. There have been no indications that any deal might be close.
The Brewers have been a popular suggestion as a possible landing spot for Kimbrel in recent weeks, but Rosenthal wrote that nothing seems imminent at the moment.
“The Brewers interest in Kimbrel, first reported by The Athletic on March 19, stems partly from the loss of right-hander Corey Knebel to season-ending Tommy John surgery and righty Jeremy Jeffress to the injured list with right shoulder soreness. Club officials, however, seem pessimistic about completing a deal,” Rosenthal said.
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